Devendra Fadnavis urges EC for ‘relaxation’ in MCC to carry out drought relief work in Maharashtra

Citing the previous examples of relaxation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) given in 2009, Fadnavis urged the commission to allow a visit to the drought-affected areas to take stock of the condition and access the relief measures that need to be implemented.

Fadnavis also cited the previous examples of relaxation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which was given in 2009. (PTI Photo)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday urged the Election Commission to provide relaxation in Model Code of Conduct in the state for carrying out drought relief work.

In a letter to the poll panel, Fadnavis said that 151 talukas of the state have been declared drought-hit. The Chief Minister further said that the central government has passed a budget of Rs 4,714 crore for drought relief in the state.

“There are a number of infrastructures works such as drilling of bore wells, repairs to drinking water schemes, irrigation canal maintenance works etc. which need to be taken up during the extreme summer. The Government of Maharashtra declared 151 Talukas as drought affected and Government of India has extended the assistance of 4714 Cr. Rs. in this regard. Separately I am proposing the cabinet meeting on this issue at the earliest,” reads the letter.

Citing the previous examples of relaxation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) given in 2009, Fadnavis urged the commission to allow a visit to the drought-affected areas to take stock of the condition and access the relief measures that need to be implemented.

The MCC comes into effect as soon as the poll body announces dates for the elections. The MCC rules will be in effect till May 23, 2019.

On May 20, 2018, the poll body had said that the MCC only barred the governments from announcing new projects during the period.

Last week, the Election Commission had relaxed the Model Code of Conduct in Karnataka and allowed the government to carry out development projects that include work related to services, purchases and infrastructure. Karnataka BJP chief and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa has asked the commission to review its decision.

Polling for all 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra got over on April 29, 2019. The results would be declared on May 23, 2019.